Green Budget as a Form of Social Activation to Improve the Urban Environment - Case Study of Katowice, Poland

Abstract

Participatory Budgets as a placemaking tool involve residents in co-deciding on public expenditure. The growing number of applications for pro-environmental projects influences the creation of Green Budgets in many Polish cities. An example is Katowice where such an initiative has been operating since 2020 to support public tasks in the field of ecology and environmental protection. The study is aimed at indicating the development trends of the Katowice Green Budget based on its 4 editions (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023). During this period, residents submitted a total of 715 green projects and 347 of them were selected for implementation. The results show a growing trend in the scope of submitted green projects in the first 3 editions and stabilization in the 4th edition. The number of accepted projects is constantly growing. The largest number of projects is related to the development of greenery (new plantings, green streets, revitalization of green areas), as well as green education important for increasing public awareness of the role of pro-environmental activities in the city. This confirms that the Green Budget fills the gap in activities supporting the development of urban greenery, and is appreciated by both the city authorities and residents.